AbstractWhite phosphorus (P4) has been identified as the cause of mortality for dabbling ducks and swans at an estuanne salt marsh in Alaska Predation of ducks poisoned by P4was monitored to assess the extent and range of predator exposures to P4Avian tissues were analyzed for P4by gas chromatography We observed that both sick and dead dabbling ducks were common prey of bald eagles (Hahaeetus leucocephalus), herring gulls (Larus argentatus), and common ravens (Corvus corax) Frank signs of P4intoxication attracted predators and rendered the ducks easy prey White phosphorus was found in the tis sue remains of ducks that had been preyed upon, thus providing positive evidence that predators were exposed to P4Although P4varied widely among individuals, P4was generally highest in the gizzard contents followed by fatty tissues such as fat depots and the skin White phosphorus was identified in fatty tissues of one eagle and in one herring gull egg, thus providing direct evidence of absorption of P4by predators
展开▼
